I think I have a bad ground.

It’s normal to have sparks upon connection when jumping.

Connect positive first, negative last.

 

And it's good practice to connect the ground of the dead vehicle as far as practical away from the batteries.

Charging batteries generates hydrogen gas, so on a quick jump, it's not a huge issue, but on a lengthy charge session it should be done. Not as important as it once was, in this era of sealed batteries, but still a good idea.

 

4 good batteries can crank for a long time.

When changing batteries I like to take pics before I start as well as zip tie all the cables from each terminal together to ensure they all go back in the right spots.

 

Good advice. The advent of smartphones with cameras does have it's benefits.

 

Right - it used to be advised that the last connection of ground be to a solid engine or chassis ground, away from the batteries.

 

It will and the hydrogen gas that the low battery produces is explosive. That is why the safest route is to connect the positive(red) first to the dead battery then the live battery, then the negative(black) to the dead battery and next to a ground on the live battery unit.

 

Way I was taught when boosting (as per mechanic school lol) is positive on the dead battery, positive on the good battery, negative on the good battery and then a ground stud or heavy metal piece away from the dead battery group. This greatly reduces the risk of a spark near the batteries. Doesn't hurt to let the battery box vent out and even fan the gas away from the batteries with a clipboard or your colouring book.

Don't spark the leads together either. Was always told that spikes the diodes in the alternator.

 

I use it all the time for that sort of thing. I even text them to co-workers if they have to take over a job for me for some reason, just to make their life easier.